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Students at Worthing High School gathered in the new cafeteria before class on Monday, comparing class schedules for the spring semester and discussing the new building.

Worthing Principal Khalilah Campbell-Rhone said the school’s new home has been a long time coming for the Sunnyside community.

“They have been waiting for about 12 years for a new building to be erected,” Campbell-Rhone said. “So, there’s obviously a lot of excitement to see this finally happen.”

Part of HISD’s voter-approved 2012 Bond Program, the $33 million multi-phase project’s newest structure features four flexible learning centers, three career and technical education classrooms, and new spaces for administrative offices and student guidance. In addition, the new building has a JROTC area, weight room, competition and auxiliary gyms, hospitality lab, commons area and cafeteria, parking lot, and bus drive.

Campbell-Rhone said she was especially impressed by the gyms.

“They’re so big, they’re so bright, they’re so 2019,” Campbell-Rhone said. “Everything’s electronic. The seats come out. The lights come on when you come in and wave your hands. I just think it’s really cool that the kids get to experience state-of-the-art facilities.”

Worthing senior Ashton Jenkins, who plays football and runs track, said his coach took him to see the athletic amenities.

“The weight room is a lot better. I’m ready to get in there right now,” Jenkins joked.

Marketing and Hotel Management teacher Daphne Charles said her students will be better able to put into practice what they have been learning.

“Now, we’re going to be able to do some of the things that we previously only talked about or looked at on the internet,” Charles said.

The project also included renovations to the original building, including work on the auditorium stage, music rooms, restrooms, locker rooms, and clinic.

A two-story classroom wing opened to students in August 2016 and features brightly colored learning centers, science labs, career and technology education spaces, and a collegiate-style lecture hall.

Worthing is one of 40 schools being renovated or rebuilt as part of the 2012 Bond Program. More than 80 percent of all HISD construction projects are complete and HISD will soon boast one of the most modern portfolios of urban high schools in the country.

Follow @Build_HISD on Twitter for the latest updates on the 2012 Bond Program and school construction across the district.